Portugal sells airport operator ANA to Vinci

Portugal is set to beat privatisation revenue goals by selling domestic airport operator ANA to French construction firm Vinci.

The deal, reportedly worth €3 billion, will set a world record for such transactions, according to the Portuguese government.

Officials in the capital Lisbon have hailed the agreement as a sign of the country’s commitment to raising €5.5 billion by the end of 2013.

The plans are part of a package of measures designed to ensure Portugal receives its €78 billion bailout package.

In a statement Portuguese treasury secretary, Maria Albuquerque, said: “This shows our capacity to attract stable foreign investment, the capacity of the government to fulfil tight calendars in demanding and complex processes, and also the capacity to raise significant sums above market expectations in difficult circumstances.”